13 New Things to Do to Your Nails

Hollywood’s new metallic nails

Metallic polish is back—but this isn’t the cheesy, wimpy polish you wore to your prom: The dramatic new look is all about a high-impact shine. While celebs like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Kristen Bell love Minx Nails, a foillike application that only nail pros can create, you can crib a similar look with Zoya’s Celeste and other flashy golds and silvers that demand attention.

Photos: Getty Images

Pale green nail polish

When “Jade,” Chanel’s light green polish first popped up on the runways, it was a breath of fresh air—what a nice break from all those dark, serious hues. The polish is currently sold out—it can now found on eBay for up to a hefty $100!—but if you’ve gotta go green ASAP, try Jade Is the New Black, OPI’s pastel green polish. “Says OPI artistic director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann,”It’s a great way to update any look, but I especially love it when worn with slim, belted dresses, textured leathers and metallics, sheer chiffons and colorful boho designs.”

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Matte nails

Sounds dull? Think again: No-shine nail polishes have been a hit with celebs for a few months. To get the most bang for your buck, try Essie’s Matte About You Matte Finisher or Rock & Republic’s Clearly Matte Finisher. Both layering coats can turn any color—including all those polishes you already own—into a fresh-looking matte nail. “I love the matte top coat—it gives your old polish a new fun look,” says Hollywood newcomer Brenda Song. “Now you can get two different looks with the same color!”

Photo: Courtesy of Essie

Eye-popping purple nails

A friendlier, trendier update to the deep purple polish we’ve seen so much of lately, this dark hue makes any outfit—even your hefty winter layers—look cool. Just keep a good nail-polish remover handy so you won’t be left with any unwanted dark stains—the ultimate nail DON’T.

Photo: Getty Images

Loooong nails

Blame it on all those ’80s fashion trends—long nails are back. We never thought we’d say it, but talonlike nails do look surprisingly fresh. The trick to avoiding the creepy granny-esque nail look is to go with a glossy nude shade like the one Blake Lively recently wore. Not down with the idea of growing your nails? There’s always Revlon’s trusty press-ons instead.

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Goth nails with a gemstone ring

OK, so you’ve been wearing inky black polish on your flawlessly trimmed nails for years and you’re not about to switch things up, thank you very much. We get it. Instead of changing your signature color, why not dress up the classic nail look with a Goth-inspired cocktail ring. A chunky gem like the Noir Cosmic Cluster Ring perfectly accessorizes your favorite nail hue.

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Back-to-the future red nails

Fergie is so 3008 with her wowza long ‘n’ red nails. To get ahead on the new beauty trends—and avoid feeling so two-thousand-and-late—try a coral red on your slightly-longer-than-usual nails (as opposed to the talon look). “Long, red nails have a classic old-Hollywood appeal that adds a touch of glamour and drama to any occasion,” says OPI’s Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, who whipped up OPI’s Thrill of Brazil, a color so divine it might actually make you want to grow out your nails to show it off.

Photos: Getty Images

Reversed French manicure

Tell your nail pro to paint in a dark metallic or bright-colored strip on just the nail tip—right where the white part of a French manicure usually goes. We’re pretty sure these’ll earn you dozens of “OMG, how’d you do that!” compliments.